Birthing classes?

[guitarinliv]

Hello Ladies. How many people are going to do or have done birthing classes, either at the hospital or elsewhere to prepare for labor/delivery?
I'm currently 32 weeks and my husband and I are trying to decide what to do about them. There's only one more class offered at our hospital before our due date, but it's right in the middle of my graduate classes and would require me skipping. Since I'm already finishing the semester early so I can avoid driving 3 hrs round trip during the last few weeks, I hate to miss class but I definitely don't want to be unprepared on d-day!!!
That's a long-winded way of asking, how important are they? Useful, or not? Thoughts???
Thanks!!!

 

[Assisi]

Mine were really useful for getting to know the hospital; and they gave us some great tips for the end of pregnancy, early days with a new baby, and ran through labour which gave my husband and me a great opportunity to talk over our plan for the birth.

I don't think they're vital. The best thing I think I did to prepare for the birth was to talk to plenty of women about their experiences, you can read heaps of birth stories on the internet. Then, talk to your husband about what you will do in each situation so that you're not making decisions on the spot (you will be less able to think through your decisions while in labour). Basically, get tips from ladies who've done it. I read a lot and asked a lot and discussed several situations with my husband. In the end, despite being induced, I had the birth I hoped for, and while some of that is luck, a lot of it was knowing in advance what decisions I wanted to make and being on the same page as my husband re positions etc.

 

[Assisi]

Oh! And I forgot to say Congratulations!

 

[Jillymac]

Hello

I'll be attending my last antenatal class this thursday, this is the only one my husband gets to go to and there were only 4 in total. The first hour is normally spent with a midwife or health educator/midwife, then we have a break and then we have an hour with a physio who's supposed to discuss positions etc. I've been attending the hospital classes.

To be honest I've not really learnt very much from the classes (other than being a fantastic reason to not be at work and yet get paid!!). It's been good to hear the midwives viewpoints about our specific hospital, but other than that i've really learnt a lot more from books and online. THe 2nd half of the classes were too watery and there's not been anything at all that I didn't know before, also not much help on the breathing techniques or positions really. I would say that I am completely obsessed and love to read everything about ttc/pregnancy/labour so if you're not like that then perhaps it would be beneficial to attend them. Plus i'm sure there are a lot better classes out there.

My DH and I purchased a book called "The Birth Partner: 3rd Edition" by Penny Simkins, it's been a great buy for my Dh to learn how he can best support me through the whole labour process (whether it be natural/assisted/c-section). I really recommend the book. You can buy it on Amazon and other places.

 

[Gods4me]

i never went to any classes the last time. personally i dont think any mount of talking through labour will prepare you for it. i think as long as you know what pain relif you want then thats all you need.
hubby just need to be supportive.
if you cant go to this class i say talk to some one else whos ad a baby or preferable more than one the can tell u what to expect.

personally i wouldnt miss something important to go to a birthing class. i read loads of info about giving birth. as long as your hubby gives you support giving support ful words and as long as you let hi know that you may tell him you hate him and youll kill him. and aslong as he know once the baby is out you wont hate him any more.

theres load of website about it.. for your hubby there a website i think its noodads. google it. they have loads of advice for dad which is actally quite funny to read. and for u theres loads of pregnacy websites.

it sound like its gona be alot of hassle for you to go the birthing class. i dont think u need that stress

 

[jgonz]

If you can't make it to the class (and even if you do! ) I'd suggest getting Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon. It is a Great book, easy to read, and very down to earth. Lots of great info on the physical aspects of labor and birth and what to expect. The "emotional signposts of labor" are what always helped me to know where I was in my labor, and the breathing is much more do-able than the "hee hees" and "hoo hoos" of Lamaze. lol

HTH~

 

[gracepaints]

I took Bradley Childbirth classes. They were excellent and really good education for my DH. I wouldn't waste my time or money on hospital classes. They are really glossy and really only teach you about how to be a good patient.

 

[TamberlyAna]

I defenitely think they are pretty important, especially if this is your first. The local health department offers them in my area so I defenitely plan on signing up. I actually am looking forward to it :]

 

[llghoney]

We took the class but really I didn't see anything that books don't tell you. One piece of advice get a book on taking care of babies too I focuse SO much on the birth. I wish I had been more prepared for her.

 

[Ceili]

Lamaze previously but next month I plan to sit in on a refresher as this is my 2nd baby. I'm going it alone or may have my cousin do it with me. I'm sure I'll opt for maybe a light sedative but should anything happen,my doc is also my Aunt.